Open water swim training device

ABSTRACT

An open-water swim training device provides open-water swimmers a stronger, safer swim without performance or stroke. The device includes a buoyant body having a tapered front end and an opening positioned in an upper surface thereof for removably receiving nutrition and/or hydration. A first end of a tether is connected to the tapered front end of the buoyant body. A waistband for removably connecting the training device to a swimmer is connected to a second end of the tether. A visibility marker is also affixed to the buoyant body.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to flotation devices, and specifically relates to a device designed to provide open water swimmers with a stronger and safer swim by delivering safety, support and strength, without hindering performance or stroke.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years there has been a rise in the popularity of open water swimming. Many triathlons begin with an open water swim and there are several stand-alone competitive open water swimming competitions each year in the United States. Open water swimming reached a new level of international exposure by becoming an official event at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

Training for open water swimming events presents a unique set of challenges. Swimming in open water shared by boaters, jet skiers and other human hazards presents certain safety issues. Unlike swimming in a pool where a swimmer is generally no more than four lanes away from a wall, open water swimming may place a swimmer hundreds or yards, or even miles from shore or any means of support or flotation in the event of cramps, dizziness or injury. Participants in distance events on land, such as cycling and running, generally have ready access to hydration and nutrition during their event, either through food and water carried on the participant or bicycle or at nutrition and hydration stations that can be quickly and easily set up along the race or training course. In open water swimming, there is nowhere for the swimmer to carry hydration and nutrition during the open water swim, and setting up nutrition and hydration stations in the water can be difficult.

One product that is currently on the market that addresses some of these concerns is the ISHOF SaferSwimmer™ Float (http://www.ishof.org/safety/ssd.htm). While the Safer Swimmer Float addresses safety and visibility concerns, as well as dry-bag storage for the swimmers personal effects, it does not provide a way for the swimmer to quickly and easily obtain nutrition and hydration during an open water swim. Another product, the Goat Gear Aquaspotter™ (http://getgoatgear.com/content/aquaspotter), provides visibility to open water swimmers, but does not address the issues of safety, hydration and nutrition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides open water swimmers a stronger and safer swim by delivering all three critical benefits, without hindering performance or stroke. The present invention provides safety by making the swimmer visible to boaters, jet skis, or other potential human hazards. Support in the form of flotation for rest, cramps, dizziness or injury is provided as well. The device can also provide support to others when needed in a group swim. This support also provides greater comfort and security to the open water swimmer allowing him or her to push further because of the confidence it provide to the swimmer in having the perfect swim buddy right next to him or her and able to help. Finally, the present invention provides strength to the open water swimmer by holding hydration and nutrition for longer swims. The present invention allows the open water swimmer to carry needed water and nutrition to help him or her go longer and stronger as well as faster recovery.

According to one aspect of the present invention an open-water swim training device is provided comprising a buoyant body having a tapered front end and an opening positioned in an upper surface thereof for removably receiving nutrition and/or hydration. A first end of a tether is connected to the tapered front end of the buoyant body. A waistband for removably connecting the training device to a swimmer is connected to a second end of the tether. A visibility marker is also affixed to the buoyant body.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, he buoyant body may be a hollow hull member formed of a hard, waterproof plastic material, such as Thermoplastic PolyOlefin. The buoyant body may include an upper hull member sealingly joined to a lower hull member, with the opening being located in the upper hull member.

A further aspect of the invention is a bag-style water bottle which is removably located within the opening of the buoyant body. A tube having a first end connected to the water bottle and a second free end that passes through a hole in the upper hull delivers liquid refreshment to a swimmer. The bag-style water bottle may substantially conform to the shape of the lower hull. A removable, water-tight storage compartment may further be positioned within the opening in the upper hull above the water bottle, or within the opening in the upper surface of the buoyant body.

Self-centering means comprising ballast positioned in a lower region of the buoyant body opposite the opening may be provided for ensuring that the opening in the buoyant body faces upwardly during use. A metal rod may further be positioned against an inner surface of the lower hull, and a foam safety ballast positioned above the rod such that the rod is held in place against the lower hull.

A water bottle which is removably positioned in the opening in the buoyant body may also be provided according to a further aspect of the present invention. The outer walls of the water bottle may be configured to frictionally engage inner walls of the opening in the buoyant body. The buoyant body may further be formed of a material, such as the aforementioned polyethylene closed-cell foam, having a degree of flexibility that permits the water bottle to be held tightly in place during swimming, but allows the swimmer to quickly and easily remove the water bottle from the opening.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide means for automatically draining water from the opening in the buoyant body during use. The automatic draining means may comprise a sloped surface in the opening from the front of the buoyant body to a rear of the buoyant body, and a drain having a first opening at a rear end of the sloped surface of the opening and a second end in an outer surface of the buoyant body proximal to the rear end thereof.

The buoyant body may be cylindrical and shape and may be formed of a dense, durable foam material, preferably polyethylene closed-cell foam. The tether may likewise be formed of a buoyant material, and is preferably a nylon rope.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the waistband of the open-water swim training device includes a strap configured to wrap around the waist of the swimmer. The second end of the tether is connected to the strap proximal to a midpoint thereof. A male clip member may be attached to a first end of the strap, and a female clip member may be attached to a second end of the strap. The female and male clip members are configured to releasably engage one another. Means for adjusting the length of the strap to accommodate the waist of the swimmer may also be provided. According to one aspect of the invention, an elastic cord may be affixed to the strap along a length thereof. First and second cord locks may further be positioned proximal to first and second ends of the elastic cord, respectively, for adjusting the amount of stretch in the elastic cord.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is the visibility marker, which, according to one presently preferred embodiment comprises a flexible wire having a first end connected to the buoyant body near the front end thereof and a second end connected to the buoyant body near a rear end thereof. One or more brightly colored flags may be positioned along a length of the flexible wire to alert boaters and others in the area. According to an alternative embodiment, the visibility marker comprises a visibility whip extending upwardly from the upper surface of the buoyant body.

According to an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, an open-water swim training device is provided. The device according to this embodiment includes a buoyant body having a tapered front end and an opening proximal to a midportion thereof for removably receiving nutrition and/or hydration. A buoyant tether is provided having a first end connected to the tapered front end of the buoyant body. A waistband connected to a second end of the tether is also provided for removably connecting the training device to a swimmer. A flexible wire with one or more brightly colored flags positioned along a length thereof, and having a first end connected to the buoyant body near the front end thereof and a second end connected to the buoyant body near a rear end thereof may also be provided.

An open-water swim training device according to yet another alternative preferred embodiment of the invention is also provided. The device according to this embodiment includes a cylindrical buoyant body having a tapered front end and an opening proximal to a midportion thereof for removably receiving nutrition and/or hydration. A ballast is positioned in a lower region of the buoyant body opposite the opening. A first end of a buoyant tether is connected to the tapered front end of the buoyant body. A waistband for removably connecting the training device to a swimmer is connected to a second end of the tether. A visibility marker may also be affixed to the buoyant body.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the text and the drawings of this application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the open water swim training device according to one presently preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a close-up view of the adjustable waistband of the open water swim training device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear end view of the buoyant body of the open water swim training device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top rear perspective view of the open water swim training device according to an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the buoyant body and visibility marker of the open water swim training device shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front end view of the buoyant body and visibility marker of the open water swim training device shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the buoyant body and visibility marker of the open water swim training device shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the buoyant body and visibility marker of the open water swim training device shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the buoyant body and visibility marker of the open water swim training device shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is a top front perspective view of the buoyant body and visibility marker of the open water swim training device shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the buoyant body and visibility marker of the open water swim training device shown in FIG. 4 with a swimmer in the hydration position shown as it would be in a deep water situation.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the buoyant body and visibility marker of the open water swim training device shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the buoyant body and visibility marker of the open water swim training device shown in FIG. 4 with a swimmer in the resting position shown as it would be in a deep water situation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an open water swim training device 10 according to a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the open water swim training device 10 includes a buoyant body 12 connected to a waistband 14 by tether 16. The open water swim training device 10 is also provided with a visibility marker 18 to make the swimmer visible to boaters, jet skiers and other potential human hazards.

The safety function of the open water swim training device 10 is performed primarily by the visibility marker 18, which includes a flexible wire 19 having a first end connected to the buoyant body 12 near a first end thereof, and a second end connected to the buoyant body 12 near a second end thereof. One or more colored flags 20 a, 20 b may be located at positions along the flexible wire 19 to provide a visual marker for boaters, jet skiers and other watercraft. The flags 20 a, 20 b may be of any bright color, such as red, white, orange or yellow that may attract the attention of other watercraft operators. Alternatively, or in addition, other visual means, such as strobe lights (not shown), may be used to attract the attention of other watercraft in the area of the swimmer. In addition, the flexible wire 19 doubles as a shoulder strap for carrying the open water swim training device 10 to and from the swimming area.

The buoyant body 12 is preferably formed of a dense, durable foam material, such as polyethylene closed-cell foam, which provides superior buoyancy characteristics, superior strength and tear resistance, and is impervious to mold, mildew and rot. According to one preferred embodiment, the buoyant body 12 is a cylinder approximately 6 inches in diameter, and 29 inches in length, and is capable of keeping an adult weighing up to 200 lbs. afloat. As can be appreciated, different sizes and dimensions can be utilized to accommodate larger or smaller swimmers. The buoyant body 12 also has a tapered front end 22 which cuts down on drag, allows the buoyant body 12 to cut through even choppy water with relative ease. The tapered front end 22 also facilitates tracking of the buoyant body 12 behind the swimmer as he or she passes through the water.

The buoyant body 12 also includes an opening, or center console 24 located near the midportion thereof and configured to receive hydration and/or nutrition therein. As shown in FIG. 1, according to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, an opening approximate three inches wide is provided in the center console 24 for receiving a water bottle 26. The water bottle 26 is held in place by frictional engagement with the walls of the center console 24, which are formed of closed cell foam having a degree of flexibility that allows the water bottle 26 to be held tightly in place during swimming, but allows the swimmer to quickly and easily remove the water bottle 26 from the center console 24 while in the water to get a drink. As can be readily appreciated, the size of the opening in the center console can vary to accommodate water bottles of varying sizes and shapes as well as containers for food. The center console 24 is also designed to be self draining The bottom surface of the center console is sloped from the front of the buoyant body 12 toward the rear thereof such that the water naturally pools at the rear portion of the center console 24. A drain hole is located in the center console 24 at the rear end thereof allowing water to drain through the buoyant body 12 and return to the body of water. As the buoyant body 12 is pulled through the water by a swimmer, water that enters the center console 24 is naturally directed toward the lower rear end portion of the center console 24 where it enters the drain hole and returns to the body of water.

As best shown in FIG. 3, and in order to ensure that the water bottle 26 located in the center console 24 remains above water and is not lost due to overturning of the buoyant body 12, ballast 28 is provided in the buoyant body 12. The ballast 28 is provided in the lower region of the buoyant body 12 opposite the center console 24 permitting constant self-centering of the buoyant body 12 as it is pulled through the water by the swimmer. The ballast 28 may comprise a steel bar or other suitable material having sufficient weight to perform the self-centering function and prohibit the buoyant body 12 from overturning during the swim and dislodging the water bottle 26 from the center console 24.

The tether 16 connects the waistband 14 to the tapered front end 22 of the buoyant body 12, and is also comprised of a buoyant material that allows it to float on the surface of the water. According to one preferred embodiment, the tether 16 is formed of nylon rope. By providing a tether 16 that floats, entanglement with the swimmers legs while kicking is effectively avoided.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the waistband 14 includes a strap 30 configured to wrap around the waist of the swimmer. Male and female clip members 32, 34, respectively are positioned at each end of the strap 30 allowing for quick and easy attachment to and removal from the swimmer. The length of the strap 30 can be adjusted at either of the clip members to accommodate swimmers of varying sizes. Additional flexibility and comfort is built into the strap 30 by the providing of an elastic cord 36, which extends through a portion of the strap 30. The amount of stretch in the elastic cord 36 can be adjusted by a pair of cord locks 38 a, 38 b provided near opposing ends of the elastic cord.

FIGS. 4-13 illustrate an open water swim training device 110 according to an alternative presently preferred embodiment of the invention. The open water swim training device 110 shown in FIGS. 4-13 is similar to the open water swim training device shown in FIGS. 1-3 wherein like reference numeral indicate like components. As best shown in FIG. 4, the open water swim training device 110 includes a buoyant body 112 connected to a waistband 114 by tether 116. The open water swim training device 110 is also provided with a visibility marker 118 to make the swimmer visible to boaters, jet skiers and other potential human hazards.

The safety function of the open water swim training device 110 is performed primarily by the visibility marker 118, which, according to the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-13 includes a flexible visibility whip 118 having a first end connected to the buoyant body 112 near a front end thereof. The visibility whip 118 extends upwardly from the buoyant body 112, and may include a marker 118 a such as a cap, ball (not shown) or flag (not shown) at the second end thereof. The visibility whip 118 and a marker 118 a may preferably be of any bright color, such as red, white, orange or yellow that may attract the attention of other watercraft operators. Alternatively, or in addition, other visual means, such as strobe lights (not shown), may be used to attract the attention of other watercraft in the area of the swimmer.

The buoyant body 112 is preferably comprised of an upper buoyant body hull 112 a and a lower buoyant body hull 112 b. Both the upper hull 112 a and lower hull 112 b are preferably formed of a hard, waterproof plastic material, such as Thermoplastic PolyOlefin (TPO). According to one preferred embodiment, the upper hull 112 a and lower hull 112 b are vacuum formed from 0.200″ thick TPO. During production, the upper hull 112 a is glued to the lower hull 112 b to provide a substantially water-tight, hollow buoyant body 112. A piece of edge trim 113 may be used to finish the sealed hull halves and or provide additional sealing. The buoyant body 112 also has a tapered front end and the lower hull 112 b is shaped similarly to a boat hull, which cuts down on drag, allows the buoyant body 112 to cut through even choppy water with relative ease. The tapered front end and shape of the lower hull 112 b also facilitate tracking of the buoyant body 112 behind the swimmer as he or she passes through the water.

The upper hull 112 a also includes an opening 124 located near the rear end thereof and configured to receive hydration, nutrition and/or gear therein. As shown in FIG. 5, according to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, a flat, bag-style water bottle 126 is removably located within the buoyant body 112. The water bottle 126 shape conforms to the bottom of the lower hull 112 b. A tube or straw 125 a has a first end connected to the water bottle and a second free end that passes through a hole in the upper hull 112 a to deliver liquid refreshment to a swimmer. Straw outlet grommet 127 provides a water tight seal around the straw as it passes through the hole in the upper hull 112 a. A straw cap 125 b prevents contamination from entering into the drinking water or liquid in the water bottle 126.

A removable storage compartment 140 is positioned within the opening 124 and, upon removal, allows access to the water bottle 126 for removal, cleaning and/or refilling, and access to the inside of the buoyant body 112 for cleaning An adhesive water seal 142 may be attached to the underside of a lip on the removable storage compartment 140 to ensure a water-tight seal when the removable storage compartment 140 is seated in the opening 124. The removable storage compartment 140 can be used to store nutrition and or personal gear of the swimmer. A removable cargo storage lid 144 may be placed over the opening in the removable storage compartment 140 when in use. A water seal end bulb 146 is attached to a lower side of the lid 144 to ensure a water-tight seal.

As best shown in FIG. 5, and in order to ensure that the buoyant body 112 remains upright with the upper hull 112 a, and access to the storage compartment 140 above water, ballast is provided in the buoyant body 112. The ballast is provided in the lower hull 112 b of the buoyant body 112 permitting constant self-centering of the buoyant body 112 as it is pulled through the water by the swimmer. The ballast may comprise a heavy rod 128, preferably formed of metal, which acts as a counter weight, and a foam safety ballast 129 positioned above the rod 128 such that the rod 128 is held in place against the lower hull 112 b. A quick drain plug 115 may be provided in the rear end of the lower hull 112 b to remove water that inadvertently enters the interior of the buoyant body 112.

As best shown in FIGS. 11 & 12, when a swimmer is in deep water and is in need of hydration, her or she may go to the rear of the buoyant body 112, remove the straw cap 125 b, and drink liquid from the water bottle 126 through straw 125 a. To aid the swimmer in this process, finger grips 150 in the form of a molded in ridge may be provided in the upper hull 112 a in the area of the opening 124. The finger grips may be located along both sides of the opening 124. When a swimmer is in need of rest, he or she can rest his or her arms on the upper hull 112 a as shown in FIG. 13. The buoyant body 112 will support the swimmer's weight as he or she rests.

The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of the present invention. The specific components and order of the steps listed above, while preferred is not necessarily required. Further modifications and adaptation to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. An open-water swim training device comprising: a buoyant body having a tapered front end and an opening positioned in an upper surface thereof for removably receiving nutrition and/or hydration; a tether having a first end connected to the tapered front end of the buoyant body; a waistband for removably connecting the training device to a swimmer, said waistband connected to a second end of said tether; and a visibility marker affixed to the buoyant body.
 2. The open-water swim training device of claim 1, wherein the buoyant body is a hollow hull member formed of a hard, waterproof plastic material.
 3. The open-water swim training device of claim 2, wherein the hard plastic material is Thermoplastic PolyOlefin.
 4. The open-water swim training device of claim 2, wherein the buoyant body comprises an upper hull member sealingly joined to a lower hull member, said opening being located in said upper hull member.
 5. The open-water swim training device of claim 4, further comprising: a bag-style water bottle removably located within the opening of the buoyant body; and a tube having a first end connected to said water bottle and a second free end that passes through a hole in the upper hull to deliver liquid refreshment to a swimmer.
 6. The open-water swim training device of claim 5, wherein the bag-style water bottle substantially conforms to the shape of the lower hull, and further comprising a removable, water-tight storage compartment positioned within the opening in the upper hull above said water bottle.
 7. The open-water swim training device of claim 2, further comprising a removable, water-tight storage compartment positioned within the opening in the upper surface of the buoyant body.
 8. The open-water swim training device of claim 4, further comprising a metal rod positioned against an inner surface of the lower hull and a foam safety ballast positioned above the rod such that the rod is held in place against the lower hull.
 9. The open-water swim training device of claim 1, further comprising self-centering means for ensuring that the opening in the buoyant body faces upwardly during use.
 10. The open-water swim training device of claim 9, wherein the self-centering means comprises ballast positioned in a lower region of the buoyant body opposite the opening.
 11. The open-water swim training device of claim 1, further comprising a water bottle removably located within the opening of the buoyant body.
 12. The open-water swim training device of claim 11, wherein said water bottle is a bag-style water bottle, and further comprising a tube having a first end connected to said water bottle and a second free end that passes through a hole in the upper surface of the buoyant body to deliver liquid refreshment to a swimmer.
 13. The open-water swim training device of claim 11, wherein said water bottle includes outer walls configured to frictionally engage inner walls of the opening in the buoyant body, and wherein said buoyant body is formed of a material having a degree of flexibility that permits the water bottle to be held tightly in place during swimming, but allows the swimmer to quickly and easily remove the water bottle from the opening.
 14. The open-water swim training device of claim 13, further including means for automatically draining water from the opening in the buoyant body during use.
 15. The open-water swim training device of claim 14, wherein the automatic draining means comprises a sloped surface in the opening from the front of the buoyant body to a rear of the buoyant body, and a drain having a first opening at a rear end of the sloped surface of the opening and a second end in an outer surface of the buoyant body proximal to the rear end thereof.
 16. The open-water swim training device of claim 1, wherein the tether is formed of a buoyant material.
 17. The open-water swim training device of claim 1, wherein the waistband comprises: a strap configured to wrap around the waist of the swimmer, said second end of said tether being connected to said strap proximal to a midpoint thereof; a male clip member attached to a first end of said strap; and a female clip member attached to a second end of said strap; said female and male clip members configured to releasably engage one another.
 18. The open-water swim training device of claim 17, further comprising an elastic cord affixed to the strap along a length thereof, and first and second cord locks positioned proximal to first and second ends of the elastic cord, respectively, for adjusting the amount of stretch in the elastic cord.
 19. The open-water swim training device of claim 1, wherein the visibility marker comprises: a flexible wire having a first end connected to said buoyant body proximal to the front end thereof and a second end connected to said buoyant body proximal to a rear end thereof; one or more brightly colored flags positioned along a length of the flexible wire.
 20. The open-water swim training device of claim 1, wherein the visibility marker comprises a visibility whip extending upwardly from the upper surface of the buoyant body. 